Erich Schuttauf, Executive Director
AANR Helping Members

This week our office received requests for guidance and assistance with legal matters involving members in Florida and Louisiana. Both cases involved nude photography. In addition to providing basic information, we have begun working with their respective attorneys also.

And now for something a bit light hearted.

Over the past several months we have provided links to various newspaper stories, comics, and advertisements which all point to the fact that nude recreation has become much more mainstream. Last night at approximately 9:00 my wife Georgie noticed a new commercial for Red Bull energy drinks which is set on a nude beach.

We were unable to find the English language version on You Tube yet, although there is an identical copy but for a few words uttered in Polish. (The gist of the dialog is that a young woman offers a young man a Red Bull drink and he graciously accepts.)

Like previous commercials in the Red Bull series, the ad consists of tasteful hand-drawn pen-and-ink cartoons. The ending is, perhaps, a bit risqué, but much of the messaging is quite positive. right down to the fact that the story takes place on a very family-oriented nude beach with tots building sandcastles and chasing beach balls with tactfully placed poses.

You can see a copy of the commercial by clicking here:

Red Bull on YouTube

And yes, before you ask, Carolyn Hawkins is already at work gauging Red Bull’s interest in being a 2009 AANR Convention sponsor!

Linda Berry, Director of Publications

Offer You Can’t Refuse

In these tough economic times, it is more important than ever to advertise. People only have so much money, and you want that money to be spent at your club or business. Please contact Martha Young at bulletinads {at} aanr.com for an offer you can’t refuse.

CAROLYN HAWKINS, PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR

The cruise was great and several members stopped by the booth to say hello, register for the drawings and pick up the free gift. I also sold a few memberships for Bare Necessities.

Positive Media

Sun Meadow – Pacific Northwest Inlander Newspaper had an insert entitled “130 Things to Do After Dark” in the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene area. #46 talks about Sun Meadow. Check it out here

Hear an interview with Susan Weaver on ShapeShifting.com here

Debra Sue Stevens, Government Affairs

GAT Update from Alonzo Stevens, GA Clair

Looking at the Legislative Tracking numbers, bills being filed and introduced have decreased this week which is not unusual this time of year. Also, the number of bills AANR is tracking has declined due to bills that have died in committee or failed. At the last GAT Chat on the second Tuesday in February, it was refreshing to hear that committee members feel confident because of their StateNet training to track bills within their perspective regions which adds to the effectiveness of this important program of legislative tracking. Also, AANR members and clubs have been contributing significantly in sharing local concerns and news articles regarding legislation in their states. Thank you to all of the GAT members, clubs, and members who have clearly heard and are responding to my monthly message “I work for you and your voice counts!”

AANR’S Assateague Island Spring Cleanup – April 18th

“On the MARYLAND Side”

Advance registration is now open for volunteers to help at the AANR’s Assateague State Park BEACH CLEAN-UP on Saturday, April 18. Show how much we care about this wonderful beach area. This is a CLOTHING REQUIRED event. American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) members will meet at the
ranger station at 8 a.m. which is located across the parking lot from the bathhouse in the state park. Directions: Cross the bridge onto the Island. Continue to the parking lot on the right at the end of the road. Volunteers gather promptly at 8 a.m.

To sign up and for additional information concerning this event, contact Ray Simpson at ray simpson {at} verizon.net . Please include your name, e-mail address and phone number when signing up. We will need to contact you in case of any last minute updates or changes.

ARC February Recreation Exchange – February 25th

Scheduled to attend: John Hunter, Washington, D.C. (Federal) GA Chair

The American Recreation Coalition is delighted to welcome U.S. Representative Joe Donnelly (D-IN) as our special guest for the February 2009 Recreation Exchange. Mr. Donnelly has recently led efforts to overcome the challenges facing America ‘s recreation industry, including key successes announced recently by the Treasury to aid consumer loan availability and helpful provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. He accompanied President Obama on his trip to the Elkhart, Indiana, Town Hall meeting on February 9 and represents a district known as the RV Capital of America . A member of the Blue Dog Coalition, he is committed to a moderate agenda that includes fiscal discipline and strong national security. Mr. Donnelly serves on the House Committees of Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs and Financial Services. Congressman Donnelly discusses the important accomplishments of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as well as further steps to aid the recreation industry, perspectives on the new Administration and on priorities of the 111th Congress, and more.

Register now for a free subscription to StateNet Capitol Journal and get the latest political news from all 50 states via e-mail. Go to: www.statenet.com to sign up.

AANR Legislative Tracking

Below, please find statistics we have begun compiling on the 2009 legislative session. Some thoughtful members and clubs have asked us the question, “What is the significance of these statistics?” What we hope most is that you will observe how many thousands of proposals need to be checked to see if they would impact your rights to enjoy nude recreation within appropriate settings. Without the sophisticated monitoring software that your dues make possible, there is no way that the tens of thousands of bills
introduced in just a few weeks’ time could be reviewed. Thanks to your support, and assistance from volunteers, we have a solid (albeit not perfect) understanding of what we face in the states this year.

AANR GAT is closely monitoring developments in the Southwest, Northeast, and Northwest for which it would be premature to provide reports at this time. We will apprise our leadership and clubs when updates are available.

Statistics for 2009:

In Session: There are 44 states, DC and US in Regular Session. There is 1state in Special Session. There are 2 states in recess.

States in Regular Session: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, US, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY

Number of 2009 Prefiles last week: 748
Number of 2009 Intros last week: 7,955
Number of 2009 Session Enacted/Adopted last week: 735
Number of 2009 Prefiles to date: 30,433
Number of 2009 Intros to date: 74,128
Number of 2009 Session Enacted/Adopted overall to date: 3,965

AANR Statistics:

o 1,902 bills were reviewed personally by AANR in 2009.

o 276 bills have been reviewed in full text by AANR in 2009.

o 183 bills have been added to the “2009 Legislative Tracking List”

AANR encourages our membership and like-minded nudists and naturists to assist in the process of tracking bills and news impacting nude recreation. Always contact the AANR office before taking action. This ensures that your actions are aligned with the strategy underway for any particular bill or

advocacy effort. Remember, AANR GAT works for you!

Hear short audio clips of the weekly reports (turn on your sound).

Erich Schuttauf, Executive Director

Mid-Winter Board Meeting Minutes

The minutes from the January board meeting are available online in the download zone of the Member Benefits section of www.aanr.com .

Steve and Carolyn Doing Well

As we recently announced, Steve Vickers of our Public Relations department will be leaving us at the end of this month to take a position with Bare Necessities Tour and Travel of Austin, Texas.  We are delighted for him as he takes on the increased responsibilities of his new job, and that he will be continuing to promote nude recreation full time in his work there.

This week Carolyn and Steve are in Austin making arrangements for the move and the whole office was encouraged to hear that Steve has found a great apartment in a great community only minutes from work.  Carolyn will return to work on Monday.

AANR Helping Members and Clubs

This week AANR Club and Member Liaison Terry Justice fielded a call from a member in Florida with 9- and 11-year-old grandsons who may not be able to visit her at her homes in an AANR resort if a legal challenge to such visits from her former son-in-law succeeds.  The issue is especially significant because our member supervises the boys when their mother/her daughter must be called away to work at inconvenient times as part of her work in the medical field.

After conferring with me, Terry did a great job of compiling a custom package of legal precedents and factual information to assist our member in making her case.  Thanks for the quick, great, work Terry!

Maryland Area Naturist Association Swim Cancelled

We received word today that the site for the club’s swim on February 21 was vandalized. According to the club, “Thugs broke in and dumped bags of fuel pellets and gallons of paint in the pool. It will take days to fix. Call for questions and to help with the rescheduled swim 410/949-5391. We appreciate your support for us beyond words. We will be at the site for a clothed meeting in the social hall and will be going to dinner as a group afterward.”

Linda Berry, Director of Publications

The E-Bulletin

This week’s edition was distributed to 12,694 subscribers. You’re missing out on an entertaining publication if you haven’t signed up yet. It’s easy to do. Visit the home page at www.aanr.com and enter your e-mail address.

Terry Justice, Club/Member Liaison

We welcome a new club:

Pasco AANR Association
(Nonlanded, provisional cooperative)
21424 Keating Way
Lutz  FL  33549
Tel: 813-949- 8011
E-mail: JSDePree {at} aol.com

Sandy Lane club in Kansas has a new URL: www.sandylaneclub.com . Their email address is “info” {at} their domain name.

New Web Site

Website for the upcoming annual AANR convention is: www.aanrconvention.com .

Have a wonderful weekend everybody.

Hear short
audio clips of the weekly reports (turn on your sound).

AANR Helping Clubs and Members

It is always inspiring to learn that the efforts on behalf of members and clubs that your dues and club support make possible have made a difference in the lives of fellow members.  This week we’re pleased to bring you news in two cases.

First, we had provided assistance to a club facing legal entanglement from a third party over alleged trademark infringement in the club’s name.  By demonstrating that the club has a long history, including lineage with AANR and references in nudist literature from decades ago, we assisted the club in proving there had been no infringement.

Second, we heard from the member/mother of a six year old daughter on the West coast who contacted us some months ago for help in her child custody matter. It was alleged she was an unfit mom for taking the child to the local nude beach.  This week we learned that mom has been granted custody, and has full permission to continue bringing her daughter on trips to the beach!  We received a very warm thank-you note that serves as a reminder that there are many people who need a credible voice speaking for them on nude issues.  Thank you for making that voice possible.

Linda Berry, Director of Publications

The Bulletin

The March issue went to the printer last Tuesday (2/10) and should start mailing Friday (2/13).

Terry Justice, Club/Member Liaison

I am sad to say that due to the economy, we are losing one of our participating businesses. Villa at Hermann in Missouri has closed as of February 11, 2009. Good luck Al and Jan, we wish you all the best in your
future endeavors.

Debra Sue Stevens, Government Affairs

REQUEST: Print the following in your Club Newsletter or send to your members in your E-News, when timely and appropriate.  We want the members to know what GAT does for them!

American Recreation Coalition – February Newsletter

AANR is a member the ARC and works closely with this coalition centralized in Washington, D.C.  In this issue read about the following topics:

*         Partners Outdoors 2009 “Uses the Transition to Thrive!”

*         President visits “RV Capital” in Indiana, links success to helping RV purchasers get loans

*         Rep. Farr urges recreation community to streamline travel and recreation opportunities

*         National Get Outdoors Day 2009 seeks partners and site nominations

*         Credit Union National Association meeting

*         News on Obama Administration appointments

*         ARC asks President Obama to support nonprofits and service groups

*         NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” sitcom can spotlight outdoor recreation issues

Go to www.funoutdoors.com and search for the term “newsletter.”

Sign Our Nude Beach Petition – California
Printed with the permission of SCNA President Gary Mussell

The Nude Beach Alliance (NBA), affiliated with the AANR club Southern California Naturist Association (SCNA), are individuals who believe that ALL beach users should have equal access to California’s beaches. Our goal is to one day have a selected beach which is legal in a clothing optional setting. To reach that goal, The NBA endeavors to liaison with law enforcement, local supervisory boards, the Parks Department, the community and homeowners.

The NBA provides beach-goers with up to date, pertinent information including news, articles, stories, tides, maps, and laws. We condone a self-policing atmosphere to keep lewd behavior and drug use off of the beach, and endorse signage to the effect of clothing optional usage.

The Nude Beach Alliance www.nudebeachalliance.com

Advocates of re-establishing a nude section at Bates Beach have begun circulating a petition in favor of the proposal.  Click here to view the petition.

Register Now for a free subscription to StateNet Capitol Journal and get the latest political news from all 50 states via email. Go to: to signup.

AANR Legislative Tracking

Below, please find statistics we have begun compiling on the 2009 legislative session. Some thoughtful members and clubs have asked us the question, “What is the significance of these statistics?” What we hope most is that you will observe how many thousands of proposals need to be checked to see if they would impact your rights to enjoy nude recreation within appropriate settings. Without the sophisticated monitoring software that your dues make possible, there is no way that the tens of thousands of bills introduced in just a few weeks’ time could be reviewed. Thanks to your support, and assistance from volunteers, we have a solid (albeit not perfect) understanding of what we face in the states this year.

AANR GAT is closely monitoring developments in the Southwest, Northeast, and Northwest for which it would be premature to provide reports at this time. We will apprise our leadership and clubs when updates are available.

Statistics for 2009:

In Session: There are 43 states, DC and US in Regular Session. There is 1
state in Special Session. There are 3 states in recess.

States in Regular Session: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, GA, HI, IA, ID,
IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV,
OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, US, UT, VA, VT, WA, WV, WY

Number of 2009 Prefiles last week: 4,375
Number of 2009 Intros last week: 12,632
Number of 2009 Session Enacted/Adopted last week: 618
Number of 2009 Prefiles to date: 29,111
Number of 2009 Intros to date: 53,709
Number of 2009 Session Enacted/Adopted overall to date: 2,281

AANR Statistics:

o    1,682 bills were reviewed personally by AANR in 2009.

o    246 bills have been reviewed in full text by AANR in 2009.

o    179 bills have been added to the “2009 Legislative Tracking List”

AANR encourages our membership and like-minded nudists and naturists to assist in the process of tracking bills and news impacting nude recreation.  Always contact the AANR office before taking action.  This ensures that your actions are aligned with the strategy underway for any particular bill or
advocacy effort.  Remember, AANR GAT works for you!

Note: Due to an error in transmission, this report reached  the clubs on Tuesday 2/17 instead of Friday 2/13.

Subject: February indoor swim night
Date: Sunday, February 08, 2009 11:41 AM

Hello all,

Time is getting close again for the night Hidden Springs indoor nude recreation night on Sunday evening February 22 from 7 pm until 9 pm.  This is the next to last event of this season, so if have been thinking about participating but haven’t done so, this is one of the last chances you have,

At the Athletic club we have the use of the pool, two hot tubs (each at different temperature), two saunas (also each at different temperature). These areas are ideal for socializing with friends you haven’t seen for a while. For the more active we have the availability of a volleyball, basketball court and three racquetball courts. If you are looking for an additional treat for your tired muscles a massage therapist will be available. With pre-registration we will give the therapists information so you set up a time slot prior to the event.

The cost for the event is still only $10 for AANR/TNS members and $12 for non members (prices are per person) when pre-registering. If you elect to pay at the door, then the prices are $15 and $17 respectively.
Pre-registration closes on Wednesday February 18.

For pre-registration or more information contact Hidden Springs at hsevents@verizon.net or leave us a voice mail at 503-841-1995.

For those of you less familiar with these events, they are held in the greater Portland (OR) area and detailed information will be given to you upon registration.

Erich Schuttauf, Executive Director

It’s That time of Year

When state legislatures are in session.  Government Affairs Coordinator Debra Stevens and I have already reviewed over 200 bills with possible implications.  Right now, we are tracking and doing research on bills in the Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, and Northwest that have raised red flags.  As we have more specifics that we can disclose, we will relay them in future weekly reports.

Kudos

To Bare Necessities for the following press from the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

Click on Cruises with a Theme

Bare Necessities sets sail on Sunday, and we wish them a bon voyage!

Kudos are also due to the Buckeye Naturists for garnering press in the Columbus Post Dispatch over a recent event in which the group attended a stage performance.  A production entitled “Sketch You Can Believe In,” in its third weekend, was recently performed before 30 unclothed members of the Buckeye Naturists nudist club..” The speaker would have to image his audience as clothed. You can read about it: here

Finally, Living Waters Spa received top accolades from www.tripadvisor.com .  We will be carrying a story about this in the next E-Bulletin issue.

Let Us Know

If you notice any changes or corrections that need to be made to the AANR Directory, please contact Terry Justice at clubinfo at aanr dot com .

Bev Price is the AANR Legislation Chair, so please contact her at bbprice at aol dot com for changes to the Procedure Manual or Bylaws.

Linda Berry, Director of Publications

The Bulletin

You won’t want to miss the March issue of The Bulletin that goes to the printer on Tuesday. You’ll find out the “inside scoop” about an AANR Trustee; learn what waterpark in the Czech Republic allows you to go naked; and find out how to be a “polite” nudist.

CAROLYN HAWKINS, PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR

Positive Publicity

The link below was in the Sunday Travel Section of The Washington Post, January 8, 2009.  It was picked up by New Jersey Star Ledger on February 1, 2009.

click here

I received a copy of the 2008/2009 edition of Thomson Life from Cariboo Nudist Society in Canada, which included a positive eight-page article on nudism.

Check out the positive links below about vacationing with no cares.

http://www.travellady.com/Articles/article-vacationingwith.html

http://www.travellady.com/Issues/April03/WheretoGetBareThisSummer.htm

I received a copy of an article from Hawaiian Magazine that features the Bare Naked Ladies calendar from the Big Island.

Out of the Office

I will be attending the AANR-Florida board meeting on Saturday and leaving for the Bare Necessities cruise on Sunday.  If you are going to be on the cruise, be sure to stop by and visit me at the AANR table.

Terry Justice, Club/Member Liaison

Here are the directory changes for this week.

The Suncoast Naturists has a new phone number: 941.927.8794

Maryland Area Naturists Association (MARNA) has a new e-mail address:

marnaswimsinmd at yahoo dot com

Potomac Rambling Bares in Virginia has a new e-mail address: prbares at prbares dot org

Debra Sue Stevens, Government Affairs

REQUEST: Print the following in your Club Newsletter or send to your members in your E-News, when timely and appropriate.  We want the members to know what GAT does for them!

Sign Our Nude Beach Petition – California

Printed with the permission of SCNA President Gary Mussell

The Nude Beach Alliance (NBA), affiliated with the AANR club Southern California Naturist Association (SCNA), are individuals who believe that ALL beach users should have equal access to California’s beaches. Our goal is to one day have a selected beach which is legal in a clothing-optional setting. To reach that goal, the NBA endeavors to liaison with law enforcement, local supervisory boards, the Parks Department, the community and homeowners.

The NBA provides beach-goers with up-to-date, pertinent information including news, articles, stories, tides, maps, and laws. We condone a self-policing atmosphere to keep lewd behavior and drug use off of the beach, and endorse signage to the effect of clothing optional usage.

The Nude Beach Alliance Web site is: www.nudebeachalliance.com

Advocates of re-establishing a nude section at Bates Beach have begun circulating a petition in favor of the proposal. Click here to view the petition.

Updates on High Priority Bills

Well, it’s February and your AANR GAT volunteers are working hard to review and monitor bills that could affect nude recreation, positively or negatively.  No action is required from you at this time, but relevant

information would be appreciated.  The following bills were a focus of multiple teams this week:

US H 316 – Amends the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996

This bill authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to enter into cooperative agreements with any of the management partners of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. The bill sponsor Rep. William D. Delahunt (D-MA 10) is the representative of the district that Cape Cod National Seashore is

located.  AANR is drafting a letter in support of such agreements, specifically on public lands such as the Cape Cod National Seashore.

FACT:  The Cape Cod Beach Coalition comprising of the American Association for Nude Recreation, the American Association for Nude Recreation – Eastern Region, the Naturist Action Committee, The Naturist Society, the Sunchasers Travel Club, the Pilgrim Naturists of New England, and all who love the Cape

Cod beaches have supported annual cleanups at the beach for the past 11 years. Since 1975, advocates have gathered to regain the acceptance of designated areas for nude recreation. That’s when a federal regulation was invoked banning a long tradition of skinny-dipping and au naturel sunbathing on the seashore. While the regulation remains unchanged to this day, what started as a small group has grown to over 475 volunteers who have contributed to this annual cleanup!

NE L 443 – Title: Adult Business Regulation, Summary: Provides for the regulation of adult and sexually oriented businesses.  A special concern regarding this bill is that Nebraska only has one state legislative body with an Assembly, as opposed to House and Senate bodies who both have to pass bills through the process.

Finally, AANR is closely monitoring developments in the Southwest, Northeast, and Northwest for which it would be premature to provide reports at this time.  We will apprise our leadership and clubs when updates are available.

AANR Legislative Tracking

Below, please find statistics we have begun compiling on the 2009 legislative session. Some thoughtful members and clubs have asked us the question, “What is the significance of these statistics?” What we hope most is that you will observe how many thousands of proposals need to be checked to see if they would impact your rights to enjoy nude recreation within appropriate settings. Without the sophisticated monitoring software that your dues make possible, there is no way that the tens of thousands of bills introduced in just a few weeks’ time could be reviewed. Thanks to your support, and assistance from volunteers, we have a solid (albeit not perfect) understanding of what we face in the states this year.

Statistics for 2009:

In Session: There are 44 states, DC and US in Regular Session. There are 1state in Special Session. There are 2 states in recess.

States in Regular Session: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, US, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WY

Number of 2009 Prefiles last week: 1,785

Number of 2009 Intros last week: 10,669

Number of 2009 Session Enacted/Adopted last week: 513

Number of 2009 Prefiles to date: 22,872

Number of 2009 Intros to date: 40,966

Number of 2009 Session Enacted/Adopted overall to date: 1,682

AANR Statistics:

o    1,288 bills were reviewed personally by AANR in 2009.

o    177 bills have been reviewed in full text by AANR in 2009.

o    138 bills have been added to the “2009 Legislative Tracking List”

AANR encourages our membership to assist in the process of tracking bills and news impacting nude recreation.  Always contact the AANR office before taking action.  This ensures that your actions are aligned with the strategy underway for any particular bill or advocacy effort.

Remember, AANR GAT works for you!

Erich Schuttauf, Executive Director

Steve Vickers Soon to “Spread His Wings”

Many of you know and have had an opportunity to work with Steve Vickers, grandson of Public Relations director Carolyn Hawkins and AANR’s PR assistant for several years.  This week we were proud of Steve when we learned that he will be leaving AANR at the end of February to take a position in public relations for Bare Necessities Tour and Travel of Austin, Texas.

The news is bittersweet for us.  We have enjoyed working with Steve and watching his skills develop as he conducted interviews in such prominent public media as The O’Reilly Factor, Hardball with Chris Matthews, The John Walsh Show, the Surreal Life, and more.  But we’re fortunate that Steve will remain in the business of helping to promote nude recreation as he takes on new responsibilities.

We wish you the very best, Steve, and extend heartfelt congratulations!

AANR Board Wraps up Midwinter Meeting

From Thursday through Sunday last week the AANR Board of Trustees convened at Cypress Cove Nudist Resort and Spa in Kissimmee, Florida, to approve the 2009 annual budget, as well as consider exciting new marketing programs that the association will conduct this year.  I want to thank Dean, Barbara, and Ted Hadley–as well as their very capable staff–for great service.  During non-business times we enjoyed a reception at the Hadley’s home, and celebrated Pirate Weekend.  No one, at least whom we know, was made to walk the plank!

On a serious note, AANR President John Kinman formed new ad hoc committees: (1) Membership In Diversity chaired by Trustee Suzanne Schell of Laguna del Sol and Mira Vista; (2) Club Fees chaired by Trustee Dean Hadley of Cypress Cove; (3) Publications and Communications chaired by Member Trustee Sharon McLeod; and (4) VitaNuda chaired by Lou Suarez.

This report would not be complete without thanking members Bob Johnson and Randy Savage for an outstanding presentation on membership marketing, where they outlined details for several recruitment and retention initiatives.  The first is explained in-depth below.

Membership Renewal Campaign Launched

On January 21 a wave of 10,000 letters left the same mailing facility that the Association uses to send The Bulletin each month.  In this case, those letters announced to former members that we would like to have them back, with some specially tailored offers designed just for them.

The campaign is the first of several programs created by AANR volunteers with extensive marketing experience who are working on Pat Brown’s Brand Management team.  We will keep you apprised of the results of this massive mailing project.

Here’s How to Get “Bear Naked”

This week we were happy to get a call from past AANR President Greg Smith who extends best wishes to all, and who called to let us know about free samples of fruit and granola being offered by the “Bear Naked” snack company.  Bear Naked traces its name to a commitment to avoid unnatural flavors and preservatives.  Among their slogans/ questions to consumers is, “How do you live life Bear Naked?”

Carolyn Hawkins is currently attempting to contact Bear Naked about the possibility of recruiting them as an AANR participating business or convention sponsor.  In the meantime, Greg and I felt that if members followed the link below to request a free sample of the product AND to explain that they enjoy recreation and living “bare naked” with AANR, it could increase our chances, as well as provide an opportunity to taste the product.  To get Bear Naked visit http://www.bearnaked.com/

AANR Helping Members and Clubs

AANR fielded calls from three prospective clubs seeking information on nudity laws within their respective jurisdictions.  While this kept AANR club liaison Terry Justice and I busy much of the week, it is welcome news to learn that the industry may be growing again to meet increasing demand for clubs.

Year-End Membership Count

The 2008 year-end membership count is attached. Please contact Nanette Wickersham at 800/879-6833, ext. 232 if you have any questions.

Linda Berry, Director of Publications

The E-Bulletin

The E-Bulletin that was sent out on January 22 was the most popular and best-read issue yet. The statistics are incredible for an online publication. Over 12,000 people received the E-Bulletin. Of those 12,000, half opened and half of those clicked one or more stories to read further. (Note: These clicks often include links to our advertisers or special offers.)

You’re missing the boat if you haven’t signed up for this entertaining, free publication. Sign up on the AANR home page at aanr.com. Clubs are encouraged to put a notice in their newsletters inviting members to subscribe.

California RV Show Message from Joe Panganiban, AANR-West

The California Adventure Travel Trade Show will be held February 14-15 in Los Angeles. Last year, AANR introduced the idea of nude recreation and Nakations to nearly 20,000 people. This year we have the same opportunity. What’s exciting about this year is that we have free passes. Plan to make an excursion for your club members and encourage them to bring friends. Our booth number is 647. To access the free ticket offer, visit www.adventureexpo.com/consumer. Type in Promo Code: EXHFREE.

CAROLYN HAWKINS, PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR

This message was received from Blair at WhenWeRV.com.

“I am responsible for the list of RV Parks and Campgrounds at www.WhenWeRV.com . We are trying to build a list of RV parks, campgrounds, and RV resorts.  If your business has a campground, RV park, or resort, please take a moment to add your business information by visiting www.whenwerv.com and pressing the “Add a Campground” button located on the right hand side directly under the main menu.”

There is no cost to be listed so be sure to forward this e-mail to other people you know that might be interested in being listed too.”

Positive Publicity

This came from Oprah.com “Why women should look good naked.”

http://www.cnn.com:80/2009/LIVING/personal/01/23/o.nude.attitude/index.html

Terry Justice, Club/Member Liaison

Here are the directory changes for this week.

Nevada Sun Rancho has disbanded.

Good luck in your future endeavors.

Tri State Sun Club in New Jersey has a new e-mail address, which is:

tristatesunclub at verizon dot net

Please remove: tssc {at} worldnet {dot} att {dot} net

Have a wonderful week everybody.

Debra Sue Stevens, Government Affairs

REQUEST: Print the following in your Club Newsletter or send to your members in your E-News, when timely and appropriate.  We want the members to know what GAT does for them!

FLOWER POWER in the Northwest

Oregon-Glassbar Island Nude Beach Volunteers (GINBV) will be hosting a Valentine’s
Day (February 14) event at Glassbar Island State Park.  Bring your native flower seeds or show up to help GINBV plant collected seeds.  This is a great time to take a tour of the park and meet some of the GINBV members.

The SOLV “Down by the Riverside” event will be May 16 starting at 9 am at the picnic table area.  GINBV members are currently meeting with Glassbar Island State Park employees to plan work projects for the event.

GAT Training at Sun Meadow – February 28th through March 1st

AANR NW GAT is sponsoring a mid winter Government Affairs Training. The training will take place at Sun Meadow, Feb. 28, 2009 – March 1, 2009.  Anyone with at interest in supporting nudist rights is welcome to attend. The NW GAT Training will run most of the day Saturday and half a day Sunday.  The subjects will include:

Ø      GAT why should I get involved?

Ø      How can I make a difference?

Ø      What’s going on” Round Table Discussion?

Sun Meadow has made a special rate available for those who attend. Sun Meadow is offering a package price for the weekend that’s only $132 ($125AANR/TNS) put a second person in that room for a total of $199/$185 AANR/TNS. That gives attendees a room for two nights and 6 meals (beginning with supper on Friday). A lot has been going on and this is a training that you don’t want to miss!  If you are interested in attending, contact Sun Meadow at (208) 686-8686 or sunmeadow at starband dot net to confirm your attendance.

January Recreation Exchange Luncheon – Washington, D.C.

U.S. Representative Sam Farr (D-CA) was the special guest at the January 2009 Recreation Exchange hosted by the American Recreation Coalition.  Mr. Farr, a longtime champion of the outdoors and tourism, spoke on opportunities for outdoor recreation and travel through the economic stimulus package being readied for congressional action.  Those opportunities will assist increased marketing, planning and partnerships.  The Congressman called for a new effort to fight the “silo mentality” he finds in federal agencies and even local tourism organizations that ignore the public’s interest in finding great things to do across agency and local government boundaries.  Mr. Farr also had high praise for programs like the National Park Service’s Centennial Challenge Fund, which matches government appropriations with private funding, saying, “If we put our heads together, we get more bang for our buck!”

With the House vote on the economic stimulus package less than 24 hours away, Mr. Farr outlined the $2+ billion in benefits for public lands that the package includes.  The National Park Service (NPS) stands to receive $1.7 billion for deferred maintenance projects and another $100 million for the NPS Centennial Challenge, which will in turn accrue $100 million more from private sector partners’ matching donations.  Other agencies, including the Forest Service, will also receive additional funding for readily doable projects.  Mr. Farr pointed out that just the week before, the National Mall hosted one of the largest gatherings America has ever seen – an estimated 1.8 million people attended the inauguration of President Barack Obama.  Mr. Farr emphasized the importance of maintaining and improving iconic sites like the National Mall that all Americans cherish.  While questions about the specifics of the economic stimulus remain, Mr. Farr told the group it is clear that public lands funds will benefit thousands of American workers by sustaining existing jobs and helping to create new employment opportunities on America’s public lands.

To read the full report, see the attached document or visit www.funoutdoors.com!

AANR Legislative Tracking

Below, please find statistics we have begun compiling on the 2009 legislative session. Some thoughtful members and clubs have asked us the question, “What is the significance of these statistics?” What we hope most is that you will observe how many thousands of proposals need to be checked to see if they would impact your rights to enjoy nude recreation within appropriate settings. Without the sophisticated monitoring software that your dues make possible, there is no way that the tens of thousands of bills introduced in just a few weeks’ time could be reviewed. Thanks to your support, and assistance from volunteers, we have a solid (albeit not perfect) understanding of what we face in the states this year.

Statistics for 2009:

In Session: There are 41 states, DC and US in Regular Session. There is 1 state in Special Session. There are 4 states in recess.

States in Regular Session: AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, US, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WY

Number of 2009 Prefiles last week: 505
Number of 2009 Intros last week: 10,223
Number of 2009 Session Enacted/Adopted last week: 191
Number of 2009 Prefiles to date: 21,088
Number of 2009 Intros to date: 30,302
Number of 2009 Session Enacted/Adopted overall to date: 1197

AANR Statistics:

o    935 bills were reviewed personally by AANR in 2009.

o    145 bills have been reviewed in full text by AANR in 2009.

o    104 bills have been added to the “2009 Legislative Tracking List”

AANR encourages our membership to assist in the process of tracking bills and news impacting nude recreation.  Always contact the AANR office before taking action.  This ensures that your actions are aligned with the strategy underway for any particular bill or advocacy effort.  Remember, AANR GAT works for you!

{Sent: Friday, January 30, 2009 1:27 PM}